It’s my last day in Sydney. Choked full of errands and last minutes to do! After finally satisfying my craving for Banh mi which I read great reviews on, we went on to stock up on some essentials and food items, made runs to 3 different malls! Top Ryde, Midway and Marsfield. One thing which we had not done this trip – the beach! How can I leave Sydney without going to the one? Today’s my last chance.
Our first impromptu trip to Watsons Bay two weeks ago, we were not prepared. It was just a last minute’s decision. The ferry had just left, so we decided to go for the bus. It’s a long 1 hour journey, some 50 bus stops away, and one that’s impossible to catch a nap in.
At Watsons Bay, we walked through several beaches, including one that we hear lots of giggling from. It’s innocently called “lady’s beach”, but looking down from where we were standing, we saw only naked men. Then there’s another one that’s more welcoming towards where the lighthouse stands. From then we had been reading on beaches in Sydney – Bondi is too touristy, Mandy seems far, Coogee, Wylie came recommended by locals. We bought a picnic mat, had plans to do picnic lunch, swim and stay till the last glow. With only half a day left, it got more dampening and procrastination became more real. It was almost 4.30pm when we finally left the house.
From Eastwood, it’s an almost 2hr journey – on foot, bus, rail and ferry. I love the connectivity of the public transport, whether it’s the bus, metro, rail, light rail or ferry! Wish though that buses could be a little more frequent.
So it’s a 15min walk to the bus stop, 10min bus ride to Eastwood Train Station. Followed by T9 and then T2 on the rail, changing in Central Station. T2 brings us to Circular Quay, where we catch a ferry to Watsons Bay! We use a mix of Google map, Opal, City Mapper and TripView Lite for navigation and transport timing. Must get an Opal card, it’s free and on weekends, fares are capped at $9.50, so it’s literally free ferry rides for us!
Double Deck Trains
Bustling at Central Station, and the very cool swivel seats!
View of Sydney Harbour Bridge from Circular Bay
Sea planes at Rose Bay,
(Right) sighting of Sydney Opera House from Circular Quay
Just in time to catch the setting sun! Watsons Bath is right by the side where the wharf is. We are not familiar with “baths”. Initially thought it’s similar to the open air onsen that we see along the coastal areas in Japan. Here, they are infact enclosed pools filled with sea water. In some of the other beaches, there are walls on all sides where waves come crashing during high tides! Sounds to me like an infinity pool in nature! Swimming with fish that’s been swept in with the waves, and in some areas sea urchin too! They could possibly become part of the sashimi plate!
Check out this link for a video clip!
Can you spot the two seagulls?
